Learning Links Preschool has been announced as a finalist in the 2018 HESTA Early Childhood Educator and Care Awards, in the category, ‘Building Inclusion’. The national awards recognise the outstanding services of Early Childhood Educators and their dedication to enhancing and developing learning outcomes for children.

Sarah Herbert, Learning Links Preschool Manager said, we are thrilled to be finalists amongst such an amazing group of inclusive educators and services.

“Many people see our Preschool service as primarily having a disability focus. First and foremost, we are a preschool for everyone. Our inclusive teaching practices support all children from diverse backgrounds and abilities and drives our purpose and passion at Learning Links Preschool. Our children have the opportunity to play, grow and learn through natural interactions alongside each other. These interactions are encouraged and assisted by staff as the children develop an acceptance and understanding of differences and similarities. This is one of the many values and skills we develop and nurture with the children in our Preschool.

“The Preschool’s inclusive model includes key signing where our educators communicate by signing with every child and adult, whether they have language difficulties or not. We also value and build strong family connections. Our team works closely with families to develop, review and evaluate learning programs that reflect the family’s priorities for their child.

“Every child at our Preschool has the same learning opportunities and support services to guide them along their educational journey,” said Ms Sarah Herbert, Learning Links Preschool Manager.

The HESTA Awards are recognised nationally, and it is an honour for our Learning Links Preschool team to be acknowledged for their commitment to inclusive practice in early childhood education, said Ms Birgitte Maibom, Learning Links CEO.

“This recognition serves to support and further motivate our Preschool team and Learning Links as a whole, to continue to build strategies and practices to drive continuous improvement in the area of inclusive education. We firmly believe in the inclusive model, this is validation there is an ongoing need to identify and embed inclusive practice at local, state and national levels,” said Ms Birgitte Maibom, Learning Links CEO.

The 2018 HESTA Early Childhood Educator & Care Award winner will be announced on Friday, 21 September 2018.

RECENT ARTICLES

The 2018 HESTA Early Childhood Educator and Care Award winners were announced in September. While we may not have been winners on the night, we still feel like winners. Learning Links Preschool was a finalist in the ‘Building Inclusion’ category, an area we pride ourselves on. It was an honour to be a part...

Learning Links Preschool has been announced as a finalist in the 2018 HESTA Early Childhood Educator and Care Awards, in the category, ‘Building Inclusion’. The national awards recognise the outstanding services of Early Childhood Educators and their dedication to enhancing and developing learning outcomes for children. Sarah Herbert, Learning Links Preschool Manager said, we are...

Original article published on CELA, Community Early Learning Australia. Written by Margaret Paton. An inclusive preschool, Learning Links, of Peakhurst NSW, reveals to CELA writer Margaret Paton how it goes about welcoming children of all abilities into its service. ‘It’s all in the welcome.’ Do you talk with your hands? How about signing? Welcome to...

Weight bearing through shoulders can strengthen arm and shoulder muscles to prepare for better hand skills and hand writing, as well as improving the strength and control of muscles that straighten the spine, neck and sometimes hips. If our shoulder and arm muscles are strong, we can better control the small muscles in our hands...